San Mateo County Sheriff's detectives have cuffed two suspects linked to a pair of shootings that rattled the Half Moon Bay community last year. The incidents, which occurred within days of each other in October 2023, ended without any reported injuries but sparked a meticulous follow-through by law enforcement. First responders initially raced to Cypress Ave. near Pilarcitos Ave. shortly after midnight on Saturday, October 21, 2023, only to return to nearby Willow Ave. and Pilarcitos Ave. for a second shooting that unfurled on Monday, October 23, around 8:15 p.m.

The investigations, stretching over several months, led to the arrest of 19-year-old John A. Neves and the arraignment of 18-year-old Orlando MontelongoChavarin, who is allegedly involved in these and other violent acts, including a shooting in January 2024. The detectives pinned down the suspects after extensive groundwork by the San Mateo County Gang Intelligence Unit and the Investigations Bureau. According to official reports, Neves was nabbed by Sheriff's Detectives and Patrol Deputies late morning on April 9 in Half Moon Bay.

Booked into Maguire Correctional Facility, Neves faces a no-bail arrest warrant on multiple charges, including attempted homicide, firearm assault, and gang participation. MontelongoChavarin, already in custody due to his alleged involvement in a January shooting, was arraigned based on similar charges tied to the October 2023 shootings. Both are accused of a list of heinous criminal offenses, among them attempted homicide and conspiracy to commit crime.

Officials are asking the public to provide any additional details that could aid the ongoing case. Detective Richard Deschler, the lead on this case, can be reached directly via email at [email protected] or by phone at 650-363-4881. For those wishing to provide information while remaining anonymous, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office offers a tip line at 1-800-547-2700.